Health Information Management Master’s Degree: Skills, Specialisations & Job Roles

Why Choose a Health Information Management Master’s Degree?

Healthcare is increasingly data‑driven. For professionals ready to steer this ship, a health information management master's degree isn’t just optional—it’s essential. 

1. Booming Employment
   

   • The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics projects 16–29% growth in health information roles through 2033.

   • HI managers earn a median of $110K (2023).
     
     

2. Bridge Clinic + Tech + Admin
   
   Graduate credentials foster fluency across these sectors, setting you apart in leadership.
   

3. Certifications

   
   A master’s streamlines RHIA/RHIT credentials—critical in HIM circles.
   

Salary Uplift

Master’s grads often earn 30% more than those with just bachelor’s degrees.

Core Skills You’ll Master

An intuitive master’s curriculum builds three pillars:

• Data Analytics & IT

  • Database management, EHRs, analytics.

  • Programmes like Rutgers blend informatics, finance, and substantive policy .
    

• Governance & Compliance

  • HIPAA, information governance, and risk management frameworks.
    

• Leadership & Soft Skills

  Project management, strategic planning, and team leadership.
  

Specialisations & Tracks

Health Informatics vs. Health Information Management

Though interlinked, they differ:

• Informatics focuses on system and tool design (CDS, telehealth).

• Management emphasises data governance and administrative frameworks.
  
  

Focus Areas

1. Clinical Informatics – EHR workflows, decision support.

2. Information Governance – Policy, privacy protocols.

3. Data Analytics & Population Health – Mining data for care and outcomes.

4. Health Information Exchange (HIE) – Secure inter organisational record sharing.

5. Cybersecurity & Risk Management – Guarding patient data.
   

Programmed Formats

• Traditional on-campus: Ideal for immersive learning and mentorship.

• Online flexi options: E.g., Southern New Hampshire University and Davenport offer fully online CAHIIM-accredited degrees.

• Hybrid: Combines live interaction with self-paced modules.
  

Top Universities of Health Information Management

Southern New Hampshire University

Careers After Master’s in HIM – Jobs & Salary Guide

Salary Snapshot

• Health Information Manager: Average $110K

• Health Information Technologist/Registrar: 67K median

• Data Analyst / Quality Analyst: $97K–$101K

• Clinical Informatics Manager: $100K–211K

• Privacy Officer: Up to $213K

• Consultant / CIO / CMIO ( > $200K)
  

Job positions in HIM that are most vouched for

1. Health Information Manager

2. Clinical Informatics Specialist/Manager

3. Data Quality Analyst

4. HIE Project Manager

5. Privacy & Compliance Officer

6. Consultant 

Scope & Job Outlook

With 50,000 new HIT/HIM roles yearly and record digitisation, demand is surging .

Graduates can find roles across:

• Hospitals/clinics

• Insurance companies

• Software & EHR vendors

• Government agencies

• Consultancy
  

Remote positions are expanding, especially in analytics, privacy, and EHR design.

Comparing Degrees

Online Degree Benefits

• Flexibility: Study while working full-time.

• Networking: Collaborate across regions.

• Cost Savings: Lower living and campus fees.

• Cert Prep: Programmes tailored for RHIA/RHIT and analytics

Key Steps to Get In

1. Research & shortlist accredited programmes.

2. Review entry criteria: transcripts, GRE (if required), essays.

3. Submit & Enroll, often in rolling cycles.

4. Complete Capstone / Thesis / Internship.

5. Get certified: RHIA, RHIT, or informatics credentials.

6. Land a role—and keep learning through AHIMA, HIMSS, etc.

Also Read: What is MBA in Hospital Management